Council initiative to get voters signed up for the By-Election
Written by author on October 22, 2012
Are you registered to vote? This is the question that Council staff are asking the people in the Annandale North Ward. In an attempt to make sure as many people as possible are registered to vote in the Annandale North Ward, Dumfries and Galloway Council is currently sending canvassers to households in the area to make sure they are signed up to vote.
The forthcoming by-election means that people who live in the Lockerbie/Moffat/Lochmaben area will be able to vote on who they want to represent them as their local Councillor. Canvassers are currently visiting properties where there are no electors registered to encourage them to sign up so that they can vote. The canvassers are knocking on doors throughout the Annandale North Ward to make sure that people are signed up in time for the by-election.
The initiative started on 13 October and runs until 26 October.
To be eligible to vote in any kind of election you must be registered to vote. The Register of Electors in Dumfries and Galloway closes on 31 October for the by-election. This means that only people on the Register on this date will be able to vote in any election that is carried out before 1st December 2012. Our Council sent out forms to all registered householders to make sure that the information was correct and that the names of all persons who are eligible to vote are listed on the form. These forms should be returned to the Council by post or, alternatively, individuals can register online at www.dumgal.gov.uk
Returning Officer for Dumfries and Galloway, Alex Haswell, said “The Register of Electors is updated each year. We want to ensure that everyone who is entitled to vote is registered to vote and therefore able to participate in the democratic process. The By-Election for the election of a councillor in the Annandale North Ward will take place at a time when the Register is being updated and, in order to ensure that everyone entitled to vote at the By-Election is registered, we are making an additional effort to ensure that people are registered to vote. If you have recently moved home, or have not completed the Annual Canvass Form please contact the Electoral Registration Officer on 030 33 33 3000.
